The 2022 Trail Blazer Event is Happening May 7th!
Welcome to the Trail Blazer 2022
Enjoy one of the first rides of the spring on the Kal-Haven Trail. The 34 mile trail links South Haven to Kalamazoo. Built on the abandoned Kalamazoo & South Haven Railroad, it offers a compacted limestone/slag surface. Adjoining road routes of 25, 50, 75, and 100 miles are marked for road bikes. For those riders who may may ride one way the option of shuttle transportation will be available. This year’s Trail Blazer is hosted by Friends Of Kalamazoo Valley River Trail and Friends of Kal-Haven Trail. The mission of these groups is to provide for expansion and maintenance of the trails and continue programming, thereby attracting more people to take advantage of the regional resources. Due to Covid-19, riders are required to meet MDHHS requirements for participating in this event.
The Kal-Haven Trailblazer is the opening event of Kalamazoo Bike Week, May 7-13. You can either choose to complete the entire Kal-Haven Trail in one day, or ride it in stages though out the week. Kal-Haven Trail maps will be provided with all registration packages that identify staging areas along the trail for parking, should you decide to complete your ride in stages. If you desire to complete the ride one way, there will be optional shuttles available. Staffed Sag stops will be available along the route.
Routes
Participants wishing to ride on paved roads will find lightly traveled scenic country roads. Riders can select a 25, 45, 70 or 100 mile ride (all road routes originate at 10th Street in Kalamazoo). All routes parallel the Kal-Haven Trail when possible, and riders will find the terrain flat except for a few miles near Kalamazoo which are moderately hilly. All participates may use the entire length of the Kal-Haven Trail, which has compacted limestone/slag surface. Remember, this is a tour, not a race. Please be courteous to all users and animals on the trail and the habitat along the way when participating.
Route Markings & Maps
New route markings will be painted on road surfaces at appropriate spots. Maps will detail both the road and trail locations and points of interest. All road routes will begin at 10th Street. Maps for all road distances will also be provided online.
Registration
Your registration and event fee will include a Kal-Haven Trail map. All proceeds earned will go to the benefit of the Kal-Haven Trail and the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail.
Safety
All participants are required to wear a helmet, obey all traffic laws, and wear bright colors. Due to Covid-19, please follow all MDHHS requests to meet all the health safety requirements. Don’t ride more than two abreast, and move to single file when being overtaken by a motor vehicle. Slower riders, please stay right. Be sure that your bike is safe and properly functioning BEFORE you begin your ride.
Signatures
You must properly sign the release on the entry form before you can ride with us. If you are under 18 years old, your parent or legal guardian must also sign the release. CHILDREN UNDER 18 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT.
Refunds
Sorry, no refunds will be available.
